U.S. patent application number 11/473174 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for vehicle-mounted speaker device and vehicle having the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to PIONEER CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Koji Maekawa.
Application Number | 20060291687 11/473174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37567388 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060291687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maekawa; Koji |
December 28, 2006 |
Vehicle-mounted speaker device and vehicle having the same
Abstract
A vehicle having a vehicle-mounted speaker device attached to a
spare tire accommodation unit for use has a vehicle-mounted speaker
unit, which is fixedly attached to the accommodation unit and
radiates sound, and causes an accommodation lid of the
accommodation unit to act as a passive vibrating plate to the sound
radiated from the vehicle-mounted speaker unit. Since the
accommodation unit is used as a sound space, and the accommodation
lid is vibrated as the passive vibrating plate, an output sound
pressure level can be increased in any arbitrary frequency band. As
a result, a sufficient sound pressure level can be secured, and
compensated in a frequency band in which the output sound pressure
level is conventionally insufficient.
Inventors: |
Maekawa; Koji; (Tendo-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
PIONEER CORPORATION
TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
37567388 |
Appl. No.: |
11/473174 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 2499/13 20130101;
H04R 1/2842 20130101; H04R 1/2834 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/389 |
International
Class: |
H04R 1/02 20060101
H04R001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 23, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-183570 |
Claims
1. A vehicle-mounted speaker device attached to a spare tire
accommodation unit for use, comprising: a speaker unit for
radiating sound to the spare tire accommodation unit; and a passive
vibrating plate that forms a sound space in the spare tire
accommodation unit and is vibrated in response to the sound
radiated from the speaker unit to the sound space.
2. A vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1, wherein
the passive vibrating plate also acts as a lid of the spare tire
accommodation unit.
3. A vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1, wherein a
trunk bottom plate having a lattice-like structure is disposed
above the lid for use.
4. A vehicle-mounted speaker device attached to a spare tire
accommodation unit in a trunk room for use, comprising: a speaker
unit for radiating sound to the spare tire accommodation unit; a
sound introduction pipe for introducing the sound radiated from the
speaker unit; and a passive vibrating plate that forms a sound
space using at least one side surface of the trunk room, and is
vibrated in response to the sound introduced from the sound
introduction pipe.
5. A vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1, wherein
the peripheral edge of the passive vibrating plate comprises a
flexible material.
6. A vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1, wherein
the passive vibrating plate entirely comprises a flexible
material.
7. A vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1, wherein
the output sound pressure level of the passive vibrating plate is
increased in a predetermined center frequency.
8. A vehicle comprising a vehicle-mounted speaker device according
to claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a technical field of a
vehicle-mounted speaker device and a vehicle having the same, and
more particularly to a technical field of a vehicle-mounted speaker
device attached to a spare tire accommodation unit for use and the
like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There is conventionally disclosed a vehicle-mounted speaker
device attached to a spare tire accommodation unit in a trunk room
for use (refer to, for example, EP 0653331 A1).
[0005] Further, there is disclosed a vehicle-mounted speaker device
used in a vehicle having a rear tray board for partitioning a
occupant's compartment from a trunk room for the purpose of
increasing heavy low sound (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent
No. 3202220).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] However, the conventional technology disclosed in EP 0653331
A1 intends to effectively utilize the spare tire accommodation unit
in the trunk room, and pays no attention to the quality of the
sound radiated from the vehicle-mounted speaker device.
[0007] Further, the conventional technology disclosed in Japanese
Patent No. 3202220 has the purpose of improving sound quality by
increasing the heavy low sound, makes a bass reflex speaker system
by resonating the reproduced sound from the back surface of the
speaker using a sound resonating path, and radiates the heavy low
sound from the back surface of the speaker to a vehicle
compartment. However, the technology is defective in that a back
cavity unit constituting the sound resonating path is complex, and
its weight is increased.
[0008] A problem to be solved by the present invention is, for
example, to provide a vehicle-mounted speaker device for improving
the sound quality in a low sound region by a light and simple
structure.
[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the invention
according to claim 1 relates to a vehicle-mounted speaker device
attached to a spare tire accommodation unit for use,
comprising:
[0010] a speaker unit for radiating sound to the spare tire
accommodation unit; and
[0011] a passive vibrating plate that forms a sound space in the
spare tire accommodation unit and is vibrated in response to the
sound radiated from the speaker unit to the sound space.
[0012] A passive vibrating plate is also referred to as a passive
radiator.
[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the invention
according to claim 4 relates to a vehicle-mounted speaker device
attached to a spare tire accommodation unit in a trunk room for
use, comprising:
[0014] a speaker unit for radiating sound to the spare tire
accommodation unit;
[0015] a sound introduction pipe for introducing the sound radiated
from the speaker unit; and
[0016] a passive vibrating plate that forms a sound space using at
least one side surface of the trunk room, and is vibrated in
response to the sound introduced from the sound introduction
pipe.
[0017] In order to solve the above problems, the invention
according to claim 8 relates to a vehicle comprising a
vehicle-mounted speaker device according to claim 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a vehicle-mounted speaker
device SP according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing a structure of a speaker
device, wherein FIG. 2A is a view showing a structure of the
vehicle-mounted speaker device SP (model 1) according to the
embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a structure of a
vehicle-mounted speaker device according to a Kelton type speaker
device (model 2) for comparison;
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing an equivalent circuit of a
speaker device, wherein FIG. 3A is a view showing an equivalent
circuit of the model 1, and FIG. 3B is a view showing an equivalent
circuit of the model 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a view showing an equivalent circuit of a closed
type speaker used for comparison of simulation;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a graph showing a result of simulation of the
vehicle-mounted speaker device SP according to the embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a speaker device as
a modification of the embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a modification of the vehicle-mounted speaker
device SP according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] An embodiment of a vehicle-mounted speaker device according
to the present invention will be explained using the figures. FIG.
1 is a sectional view showing the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] An accommodation unit 11 in which a spare tire 20 is
accommodated is disposed on a floor surface 10 of a trunk room. The
accommodation unit 11 has a central convex portion 12 at a center,
and spare tire fixing volts 13 are welded to the central convex
portion 12. A center hub hole 23 is formed at the center of a wheel
portion 21 of the spare tire 20, and volt holes (not shown) are
formed to a hub mounting portion 22 in the vicinity of the center
hub hole 23.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31
covered with a speaker box 30 is fixedly attached to the lower side
of the central convex portion 12 of the accommodation unit 11.
[0028] The central convex portion 12 has a sound radiation hole 14
at a position corresponding to the front side of a vibration
surface (not shown) of the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 so that
the sound radiated from the vibration surface is not shut off.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a wall surface 15 of the accommodation
unit 11 has a stepped portion 16, and an accommodation lid 40 is
attached by being hooked to the stepped portion 16. Then, the
accommodation lid 40 forms a space (second sound space to be
described later) formed by the accommodation unit 11, and separates
the space from the space of the trunk room.
[0030] The accommodation lid 40 has a frame 41 along the outside
edge of it to support a weight, an edge portion 42 composed of a
spring material on the inner periphery side of the outside edge,
and further a lid portion 43 on the inner periphery side of the
edge portion 42.
[0031] The lid portion 43 is formed of, for example, hard board,
paper made of pulp, or injection molded foamed resin. The lid
portion 43 is fixed to the frame 41 through the edge portion
42.
[0032] The edge portion 42 is composed of the spring material such
as rubber, elastomer, and the like to return the lid portion 43 to
a predetermined position.
[0033] A trunk bottom plate 50 having a lattice-like structure is
disposed above the accommodation lid 40 so as not to come into
contact with the accommodation lid 40. The trunk bottom plate 50
receives the weight of a baggage (not shown) accommodated in the
trunk to prevent the weight from being applied to the accommodation
lid 40. Further, the lattice-like structure prevents the sound
radiated from the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 from being shut
off.
[0034] Here, for example, the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP of
the embodiment constitutes a vehicle-mounted speaker device
according to the present invention, the accommodation unit 11
constitutes a spare tire accommodation unit according to the
present invention, the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 constitutes
a speaker unit according to the present invention, the
accommodation lid 40 constitutes an accommodation lid according to
the present invention, the lid portion 43 constitutes a passive
vibrating plate according to the present invention, and the trunk
bottom plate 50 constitutes a trunk bottom plate according to the
present invention, respectively.
[0035] In the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP having the
arrangement as described above, when a user accommodates the spare
tire 20 in the accommodation unit 11, the user removes the trunk
bottom plate 50 and the accommodation lid 40, and accommodates the
spare tire 20 in the accommodation unit 11. At the time, the spare
tire 20 is placed concentrically to prevent the center hub hole 23
of the wheel portion 21 of the spare tire 20 from shutting off the
sound radiation hole 14 of the central convex portion 12. The bolt
holes (not shown) of the wheel portion 21 are fitted on the fixing
volts 13 of the central convex portion 12, and the spare tire 20 is
fixed to the central convex portion 12, using fixing nuts 24.
Thereafter, the accommodation lid 40 and the trunk bottom plate 50
are attached as they are originally attached. With this operation,
the spare tire 20 is fixedly accommodated in the accommodation unit
11.
[0036] The spare tire 20 can be taken out in a reverse order of the
procedure when it is attached.
[0037] Since only a low sound signal is supplied from an amplifier
(not shown) to the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP having the
above arrangement through a filter (not shown), it is used as a low
sound speaker. When the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP generates
sound, the vibration surface of the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31
generates sound in response to the sound signal, and the sound is
transmitted to the space (second sound space) of the accommodation
unit 11 passing through the sound radiation hole 14 of the central
convex portion 12 and the center hub hole 23 of the wheel portion
21. The sound pressure of the transmitted sound impinges on the
accommodation lid 40, and vibrates the lid portion 43 of the
accommodation lid 40 so that low sound is radiated into the trunk
room.
[0038] Next, a phenomenon where the vehicle-mounted speaker device
SP generates sound will be explained below using figures. FIGS. 2A
and 2B are views showing a structure of the speaker device, wherein
FIG. 2A is a view showing a structure of the vehicle-mounted
speaker device SP (model 1) according to the embodiment, and FIG.
2B is a view showing a structure of a Kelton type speaker device
(model 2). FIGS. 3A and 3B views showing an equivalent circuit of a
speaker device, wherein FIG. 3A is a view showing an equivalent
circuit of the model 1, and FIG. 3B is a view showing an equivalent
circuit of the model 2.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2A, the second sound space corresponding to
the space of the accommodation unit 11 is formed on the front
surface of the speaker box 30, and a passive vibrating plate 61
corresponding to the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 is
disposed on a surface facing the vibrating surface.
[0040] Among the sounds radiated by vibrating the vibrating surface
of the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31, the sound radiated from the
back surface of the vibrating surface is transmitted to a first
sound space formed by the speaker box 30. At the same time, the
sound radiated from the front surface of the vibrating surface
vibrates the passive vibrating plate 61 corresponding to the lid
portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 through the second sound
space corresponding to the space of the accommodation unit 11.
[0041] The equivalent circuit of the vehicle-mounted speaker device
SP is arranged as shown by FIG. 3A, when the drive force of the
vibrating surface of the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 is shown
by F, the compliance of the suspension of a vibration system of the
vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 is shown by CS, the equivalent mass
of the vibration system of the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 is
shown by m.sub.o, the mechanical resistance of the vehicle-mounted
speaker unit 31 is shown by R.sub.m, the compliance of the second
sound space is shown by C.sub.c, the mechanical resistance of the
second sound space is shown by R.sub.c, the compliance of the edge
portion 42 of the accommodation lid 40 is shown by C.sub.p, the
equivalent mass of the vibration system of the lid portion 43 of
the accommodation lid 40 is shown by mp, the mechanical resistance
of the accommodation lid 40 is shown by R.sub.p, the compliance of
the first sound space is shown by C.sub.cb, and the vibration speed
of the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 is shown by
V.sub.p1.
[0042] The equivalent circuit is shown in a form in which the
compliance C.sub.p of the edge portion 42 of the accommodation lid
40 is added in series to the equivalent mass of the port of the
equivalent circuit of the Kelton type speaker device (model 2)
shown in FIG. 3B (accurately, an additive mass resulting from
radiation is added to the equivalent mass m.sub.p of the vibration
system of the lid portion of the accommodation lid). Here, V.sub.p2
shows a vibrating speed in an air duct in the model 2.
[0043] Since the model 1 has a sound pressure proportional to
V.sub.p1, it is the same as the model 2 (Kelton type) having a
sound pressure proportional to V.sub.p2. Accordingly, it can be
found that the model 1 shows the sound pressure characteristics of
a Kelton type band path.
[0044] To increase the level of the sound pressure outputted from
the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 in an arbitrary
frequency band, the vibration area of the lid portion 43 of the
accommodation lid 40 is increased after the second sound space as
the space (sound volume) of the accommodation unit 11 is
determined. To shift the center frequency, which is a center of a
frequency band having a large output sound pressure level, to a low
frequency, the equivalent mass m.sub.p of the lid portion 43 is
increased. That is, after the shape of the accommodation unit 11
for accommodating the spare tire 20 has been determined, the center
frequency can be manipulated by manipulating the equivalent mass
m.sub.p of the vibration system of the lid portion 43 of the
accommodation lid 40.
[0045] Likewise, after the second sound space as the space (sound
volume) of the accommodation unit 11 has been determined, the
center frequency is adjusted by the compliance C.sub.p of the
suspension of the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 in the
relation to the equivalent mass m.sub.p of the vibration system of
the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40. That is, the center
frequency can be also manipulated by changing the material and the
shape of the edge portion 42.
[0046] Further, the center frequency can be also changed by
adjusting the compliance C.sub.c of the second sound space. That
is, the center frequency can be manipulated by changing the volume
of the accommodation unit 11.
[0047] Since Q showing the sharpness of resonance is given by an
expression Q=.omega.m.sub.o/(mechanical resistance), the level of
the sound pressure outputted from the lid portion 43 of the
accommodation lid 40 is increased, after the center frequency has
been manipulated, using the values of two mechanical resistances,
that is, the value of the mechanical resistance R.sub.p of the
accommodation lid 40, and the value of the mechanical resistance
R.sub.c of the second sound space, after .omega. (=2.pi.f), that
is, a resonance frequency f is determined. Further, the value of
the output sound pressure level can be also adjusted in the
relation to the resonance frequency (f of .omega.=2.pi.f) and the
equivalent mass m.sub.o of the vibration system of the speaker
unit.
EXAMPLE
[0048] An effect of the present invention will be explained using a
result of simulation of the vehicle-mounted speaker SP according to
the embodiment. The simulation employs the equivalent circuit of
the model 1 shown in FIG. 3A, and the equivalent circuit of a
closed type speaker shown in FIG. 4 for comparison. The effect of
the present invention will be explained in comparison with the
level of the output sound pressure radiated from the closed type
speaker.
(Conditions of Simulation)
[0049] Simulation was carried out using numerical values that can
be applied to an actual product. Specifically, the diameter of the
vibration surface of the speaker unit was set to 13 [m], an
impedance Ze was set to 4 [.OMEGA.], a minimum resonance frequency
f.sub.o was set to 30 [Hz], the equivalent mass m.sub.o of the
vibration system of the speaker unit was set to 13 [g (grams)], and
a coefficient of force BL was set to 3.5 [Tm]. The volume of the
first sound space corresponding to the speaker box 30 was set to 7
[L (liters)]. The coefficient of force BL is a product of a
magnetic flux density B[T (tesla)] in the gap of the magnetic poles
of the speaker unit, and the length L[m] of a voice coil in the gap
and is an amount for relating an electric system to a mechanical
system.
[0050] The volume of the second sound space as the space of the
accommodation unit 11 (sound volume) was set to 50 [L], the area of
the lid portion 43 of the accommodation lid 40 was set to 0.16
[m.sup.2] (40 cm.times.40 cm), the weight was set to 500 [g], and
the minimum resonance frequency f.sub.o was set to 10 [Hz].
(Result of Simulation)
[0051] In FIG. 5 showing a result of the simulation, the output
characteristics of the equivalent circuit of the model 1 are shown
by SPL.sub.pr, and the output characteristics of the closed type
speaker for comparison are shown by SPL-P. As shown in FIG. 5, it
can be found that the output characteristic SPL.sub.pr of the model
1 can obtain a sound pressure level higher than the output
characteristics SPL-P of the closed type speaker in a frequency
band equal to or less than 60 Hz in which the closed type speaker
SPL-P has a low output sound pressure level.
[0052] As a result of the simulation, the above embodiment has the
following effect.
[0053] The output sound pressure level can be increased in a
frequency band in which the closed type speaker has a low output
characteristic level, by using the spare tire accommodation unit as
the second sound space, and vibrating the lid of the accommodation
unit as the passive vibrating plate. Further, it is possible to
shift the center frequency of the speaker of the present invention
by manipulating a parameter. As a result, a sufficient sound
pressure level can be secured in the frequency band in which the
output sound pressure level is conventionally insufficient. As a
result, it is possible to compensate a main speaker as a
sub-woofer.
[0054] Since the lid of the spare tire accommodation unit is used
as the passive vibrating plate, the spare tire accommodation unit
can be effectively utilized, and thus the sound quality in a low
sound region can be improved by a simple structure.
[0055] Since only the trunk bottom plate having the lattice-like
structure is only newly disposed above the lid of the spare tire
accommodation unit, the present invention can be realized by a
light and simple structure with a slight increase in weight.
[0056] To summarize what has been explained above, the
vehicle-mounted speaker device SP, which is attached to the spare
tire accommodation unit 11 for use, has the vehicle-mounted speaker
unit 31 for radiating sound to the accommodation unit 11, and the
lid portion 43 that forms the second sound space in the
accommodation unit 11, and is vibrated in response to the sound
radiated to the second sound space.
[0057] A vehicle having the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP,
which is attached to the spare tire accommodation unit 11 for use,
has the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 fixedly attached to the
accommodation unit, and radiating sound, and causes the
accommodation lid 40 of the accommodation unit 11 to act as the
passive vibrating plate to the sound radiated from the
vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31.
[0058] Since the spare tire accommodation unit 11 is used as the
second sound space, and the lid portion 43 is vibrated as the
passive vibrating plate, the output sound pressure level can be
increased at any arbitrary center frequency. As a result, a
sufficient sound pressure level can be secured, and compensated in
the frequency band in which the output sound pressure level is
conventionally insufficient.
[0059] Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not
limited to the one described above, and may be modified as, for
example, described below.
[0060] It is not necessary to separately produce the frame, the
edge portion, and the lid portion of the accommodation lid, and
they may be formed integrally with each other. In this case, it is
possible to provide a spring property by reducing the thickness of
the edge portion. Since the number of parts can be reduced, a parts
management cost and a manufacturing job cost can be reduced at the
time of manufacturing a speaker.
[0061] It is also possible to integrate the accommodation lid with
the trunk bottom plate. This arrangement can be applied to a
vehicle having such a structure that no baggage is placed on the
accommodation lid acting as the passive vibrating plate. Although
the case in which it is disposed to the trunk room has been
explained, the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle, in
which a spare tire is vertically stored in the vehicle, and the
like. In this case, since a component corresponding to the trunk
bottom plate having the lattice-like structure can be omitted, the
weight can be further reduced.
[0062] Although the above embodiment explains the case in which the
lid of the spare tire accommodation unit on the bottom of the trunk
room acts as the passive vibrating plate, the present invention is
not limited to this, and can be also applied to, for example, such
a structure that the sound space is formed using a side surface of
the trunk room as well as has the passive vibrating plate. As shown
in FIG. 6, a sound space may be formed on the side surface of the
trunk room using a protective cover lattice 63 and a passive
vibrating plate 64, the sound radiated from the vehicle-mounted
speaker unit 31 attached to the lower side of the accommodation
unit 11 of the spare tire 20 may be introduced to the sound space
using a sound introduction pipe 62 to vibrate the passive vibrating
plate 64.
[0063] Here, for example, the sound introduction pipe 62 of the
modification constitutes a sound introduction pipe according to the
present invention, and the passive vibrating plate 64 constitutes
the passive vibrating plate according to the present invention,
respectively.
[0064] To summarize the modification, the vehicle-mounted speaker
device SP, which is attached to the spare tire accommodation unit
11 for use, has the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 for radiating
sound to the accommodation unit 11, the sound introduction pipe 62
for introducing the sound radiated from the vehicle-mounted speaker
unit 31, and the passive vibrating plate 64 that forms the second
sound space using at least one side surface of the trunk room, and
is vibrated in response to the sound introduced from the sound
introduction pipe 62.
[0065] A vehicle having the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP,
which is attached to the spare tire accommodation unit 11 for use,
has the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 fixedly attached to the
accommodation unit 11 and radiating sound, the sound introduction
pipe 62 for introducing the radiated sound, and the passive
vibrating plate 64 that forms the second sound space using at least
one side surface of the trunk room, and is vibrated in response to
the sound introduced from the sound introduction pipe 62.
[0066] Since the passive vibrating plate 64 is vibrated using the
space formed by the spare tire accommodation unit 11 and the sound
introduction pipe 62 as the second sound space, it is possible to
increase the output sound pressure level at any arbitrary center
frequency. As a result, a sufficient sound pressure level can be
secured, and compensated in the frequency band in which the output
sound pressure level is conventionally insufficient.
[0067] In the vehicle-mounted speaker device SP shown in FIG. 1,
although the speaker box 30 is fixedly attached to the lower side
of the central convex portion 12, the present invention is not
limited to this, and the speaker box 30 may be disposed on the
upper side of the central convex portion 12 as shown in FIG. 7.
Since the vehicle-mounted speaker unit 31 radiates sound to the
second sound space formed by the accommodation unit 11, and the lid
portion 43 is vibrated as the passive vibrating plate in response
to the radiated sound, the output sound pressure level can be
increased at any arbitrary center frequency, similarly with the
case of FIG. 1.
[0068] Note that, in the example of FIG. 7, the speaker box 30 is
tightened together with the spare tire 20.
[0069] It should be understood that various alternatives to the
embodiment of the invention described herein may be employed in
practicing the invention. Thus, it is intended that the following
claims define the scope of the invention, and that methods and
structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents
be covered thereby.
[0070] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2005-183570 filed on Jun. 23, 2005 including the specification,
claims, drawings, and abstract is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
* * * * *